By Milcah Tanimu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering the first week of February for the conduct of re-run and by-elections stemming from the 2023 general elections, according to Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, the INEC chairman. Speaking at an extraordinary consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja, Yakubu revealed that the commission plans to hold both elections on the same day.
The re-run elections are necessitated by court orders following the conclusion of proceedings by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals established after the 2023 General Election. Additionally, by-elections are required to fill vacancies arising from the death or resignation of members of the National or State Houses of Assembly.
Yakubu clarified that re-run elections involve only the parties and candidates from the general election unless a party opts to replace a deceased candidate. On the other hand, by-elections are considered fresh elections, prompting political parties to conduct new primaries within the stipulated timeframe.
The Election Petition Appeal Tribunals have mandated INEC to conduct re-run elections in 34 constituencies, comprising one Senatorial District, 11 Federal Constituencies, and 22 State Assembly constituencies. However, the re-run elections in 31 of these constituencies will occur in selected polling units, not the entire constituencies.
As the litigations, including pending governorship elections at the Supreme Court, conclude, Yakubu stated that INEC will present a comprehensive analysis of the petitions. This analysis will encompass cases where INEC was directed to issue Certificates of Return to other candidates and the reasons for court decisions. The insights gained from the 2023 General Election will contribute to consequential reforms aimed at enhancing the conduct of future elections.
After the consultative meeting, INEC will review preparations and announce a specific date, along with a detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the elections. Delimitation details, including locations, the number of polling units, registered voters, and Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collected in each constituency, will be made public on the INEC website for transparency and public information.